In a recycled column about the Fourth of July, George Pyle writes: "Independence Day is not about flags, fireworks, military hardware, past presidents or any other icons or graven images. It is about the importance of individual liberty and the recognition that the protection of that liberty is the primary duty of government." I could be wrong, but the Declaration of Independence strikes me as having less to do with "individual liberty" than with the collective good. Phrases like "one People," "the Population," "us" and "public" are scattered throughout the document; nowhere is there any reference to any individual... [Read More]

Whether you are entertaining family for the Thanksgiving holiday or just preparing a meal for yourself, a Thanksgiving feast can be a lot of work. Why not let the experts handle the heavy lifting? Here are more than two dozen restaurants in the area serving special menus or buffets on Thanksgiving. Check the restaurant websites for more details and reservations.24 Diner. 600 N. Lamar Blvd. 512-472-5400, 24diner.com. The all-day diner serves on Thanksgiving beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a menu... [Read More]

For the fifth time in program history, the Hartley High School girls volleyball team will compete in a state championship match. The Hawks defeated Mentor Lake Catholic 25-18, 25-23, 25-15 in a Division II state semifinal Nov. 9 at Wright State, improving to 22-6 and advancing to play Parma Heights Holy Name (25-3) in the state final at 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at the same site. Hartley won its only state title in 2011. "Defensively, (Holy Name is) probably one of the best... [Read More]

The Rock Springs Police Department is asking for the public's help locating a missing 86-year-old man. Milton Beck was last seen leaving Dear Trail Assisted Living at 2360 Reagan Avenue Friday at 1:30 a.m. He was described as being 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue and black plaid shirt with dark colored suspenders, blue jeans, and worn out gray sneakers. Anyone with information on Beck's whereabouts was asked to call the Rock... [Read More]

The United States could soon halt refueling of aircraft from the Saudi-led coalition engaged in Yemen, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday, a move that would end one of the most divisive aspects of U.S. assistance to the Saudi war effort. [Read More]

A man who set fire to a gas-laden truck in the center of Melbourne and fatally stabbed one person before he was shot by police was inspired by Islamic State but did not have direct links with the group, Australian police said on Saturday. [Read More]

BILLINGS- One person was injured Friday night in a three-car accident on South Frontage Road west of Billings in front of the Cenex food basket store. Authorities said the person was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Traffic has slowed to one lane, but the road is open. The crash is at 8048 S. …... [Read More]